With September being the month of prostate awareness and Father’s Day just over, it’s a good time to focus on the health and wellbeing of the men in our lives.

We all have a father, uncle, brother, husband, son or male friend who we care about deeply and whose health could be better! Let’s start with the old adage, “prevention is better than cure”. There are many men who tend to look after their cars better than themselves; cleaning the inside carefully and removing all the rubbish, polishing the outside until it shines and then filling it up with the best fuel to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible. Imagine how a human body would function with the same love and attention!

It’s never too late to encourage and inspire men to make their health a priority and to prevent or delay unnecessary illness with a few basic steps.

Get regular WOF check-ups

Visit the doctor on a regular basis to have your “warrant of fitness”. Getting the basic tests done will ensure your health is on track and any issues can be addressed well before problems begin. Depending on age, the most important tests are: prostate check, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes, healthy weight, skin checks and blood tests. Other areas to think about are eye exams, hearing test and stress levels.

Check your tyres

As metabolism slows down with aging and food consumption remains the same, it’s easier for the older generation to gradually gain weight. Younger men beware too that extra padding around the middle puts stress on the heart and other internal organs. For health’s sake, keep the spare tyre in the boot of your car and not around your waist.

Use quality fuel

Eat a healthy diet. No amount of exercise can compensate for a terrible diet and simple changes such as cutting back on refined carbohydrates and increasing colourful veggies or fruit at mealtimes can make a big difference. In a world where many people try to medicate their way out of something they ate their way into, it’s time to take back responsibility and eat well.

Put in the best oil

Good fats help a healthy body to function. Omega 3’s found in oily fish, nuts and seeds can help keep the joints supple and support a healthy heart. Cook in coconut oil, use olive oil over salads/veggies, additionally add half an avocado to your lunchtime meal or throw a handful of Healtheries Chia Seeds a powerful combination of omega-3 fatty acids, a tasty addition to everyday diet and you’ll feel fuller and more satiated after each meal. High-potency Healtheries Fish Oil 1500mg capsules are sustainably-harvested, purity tested Omega-3 fish that make a great addition to up your daily Omega 3 count.

Keep the inside clean

Proper bowel movements are not something men commonly talk about but nonetheless it is vitally important for keeping the body clean and functioning well. Additional probiotics, fibre and water can all contribute to better bowel motions. Healtheries Probiotica 50 Billion is a high strength formula which contains a proprietary blend of powerful, scientifically-researched probiotic (friendly) bacteria that helps maintain gut health, healthy bowel habits and assist relief of constipation.

Check the speedometer

Movement in any form is a positive step towards improving health. Taking age and lifestyle into consideration, exercise can be classified as a daily 30 minute brisk walk to training for an 'Iron man' competition. Whatever the form, keeping it interesting and regular will help maintain cardiovascular health and circulation. Inspire an ex-rugby Dad with a new pair of running shoes as a gift or for their next birthday and see if they take up the challenge!

Show the loved ones in your life that you want them around for many years by caring about their health and happiness. Lead by example and be open to supporting them through their wellness journey. It’s the best gift you will ever give.